What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can happen at any moment and are a common household issue. It’s unpleasant messy and uninspiring and require immediate attention. But, you don’t necessarily have to call an emergency plumber immediately. In this blog we’ll take you through simple ways to clean your toilet within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved using simple tools and techniques such as a plunger, baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin, it’s essential to have these tools handy:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Switch off the supply of water valve.
The first step you must do when faced with a blocked toilet is to shut off water valves on the toilet. This step ensures that there is no further water entering the tank while you are working to unblock it. The valve is normally situated near the bottom of the tank on one side.
Step 2: Guard yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
You must protect your hands against germs and bacteria that may be present in your toilet with rubber gloves before making use of any tool to clear the toilet.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is without doubt the most effective tool to use for clearing toilets of blockages. Begin by pressing down to the plunger, until air is evacuated from it. then place it in the toilet bowl and start plunging vigorously up and down for approximately 20 minutes. The suction caused by the movement of the plunger can help clear any obstructions.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled motion.
- Place holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close enough to prevent air pressure escaping as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda and vinegar in a mixture.
If plunges don’t work you can try this other method - pour half a cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. The mixture should sit for about 15 minutes. It will begin to bubble before it slows down then pour boiling water down (not hot) to eliminate the obstruction.
Step 5 5. Use a wire coat hanger or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda and vinegar have not worked, then it is time to use the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s wire until you have a thin, long wire that has a hook that is bent at one end or use it as a plumbing snake. It was made specifically to clear drain blockages. Install the snake in the drain hole on your toilet, and twist around, twist, push at the same time until you sense resistance; that’s where the blockage usually is. Be gentle and try to break any blockages using back-and-forth motion but without causing any damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions with force as they may make things worse
Step 6: Restart the water supply and check the result
Once you’ve eliminated any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the valve for water flow on your toilet bowl again. Then flush it several times to ensure that everything is running smoothly!
| Tools | Description |
|---|---|
| Rubber Gloves | Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl. |
| Plunger | Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. |
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage. |
| Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake | Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when my toilet is not functioning properly?
Some of the more frequent signs of a blocked toilet is when the water level rises to the top of the bowl after flushing. There is a possibility that water drains away slowly, or you may hear noises of gurgling coming through the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you suspect your toilet has been blocked, avoid trying to flush it again as this can cause flooding. Instead, shut off the water supply at the valve that is behind the toilet, and employ a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If this doesn’t work you can call Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are several ways to stop your toilet from becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as Wet wipes, sanitary products or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid the practice of pouring oil or grease down the drain, which could cause solidification and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact a professional plumber for an unblocking toilet?
If you’ve tried splurging your toilet, but it doesn’t clear or you believe there’s a larger issue with the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to get in touch with a professional plumber, such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve had years of experience tackling any plumbing problem that we can quickly detect and resolve any issues with minimal disruption to your home.
What is the best frequency to get my drains cleared?
It is recommended to have cleaning your drainage system by professionals like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. However, if you frequently suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water, despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging the drains, then annual cleaning could be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out, and most of these items are readily available to households. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before getting anxious after trying all the methods, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re searching for professional help with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
